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Growth in Saudi non-oil activity up somewhat in August-PMI

The speed of growth in Saudi Arabia's nonoil sector recovered a little in August from the previous month's more than twoyear low, a study revealed on Tuesday, supported by a pickup in brand-new orders and jobs.

The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Getting Managers' Index increased to 54.8 in August from 54.4 in July - which was the most affordable reading given that January 2022 - but stayed well listed below its long term average of 56.9.

The output subindex alleviated to 58.1 in August from 58.6 the previous month, suggesting a slowing down of activity amongst non-oil private sector services, leading some to decrease their selling prices to spur demand.

There was a minor uplift in new order development in August with the subindex rising to 56.8 from 55.7 in July, while jobs growth accelerated last month to its highest reading because October 2023.

Work development has actually been an essential chauffeur of this momentum in August, signalling those businesses are increasingly confident in their expansion strategies, stated Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economic expert at Riyad Bank.

The uptick in brand-new orders illustrates the sector's capability to meet growing market requirements. These positive indications, coupled with a significant increase in future output expectations, highlight strong organization optimism within the private sector, Ghaith included.

Confidence amongst firms about the 12-month business outlook recuperated in August to the greatest level in 5 months.

(source: Reuters)